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final plans. The traffic concerns can be dealt with now by exploring other routes and that <br /> because there are concerns does not mean it is not an appropriate project. <br /> <br /> Council Member Howard stated she supports the retail/cinema project and that it is the best <br /> available solution in the revitalization of the downtown. Concerns from the public have <br /> been heard regarding safety, esthetics, parking and best use of the property, and she <br /> promised the Council would be diligent in following up on the concerns. Monitoring and <br /> mitigation will continue throughout and beyond the planning and building process. She <br /> stated the vision is for this project to be the heart of downtown. <br /> <br /> Council Member Jordan clarified that her opposition to the interim urgency ordinance <br /> concerned private property owners. She further stated that she believes if the project goes <br /> through that there are enough people watching it to ensure that architecturally it will look <br /> good. <br /> <br /> Mayor Ruskin stated that after such an extraordinary economy the downtown is still <br /> sleepy. He further stated his conclusion that a project with enough impact must be brought <br /> in to fully revitalize the downtown. The cinema has the potential to bring thousands of <br /> people to the downtown resulting in the retail stores on the ground floor having foot traffic. <br /> Much has been said about the cinema industry and he is convinced that the Syufy cinema <br /> company is very strong. The second major reason for the project is that this will involve no <br /> public funds. The third key reason is traffic. The traffic coming to the attraction will be <br /> moving in the opposite direction of commute traffic. He stated he tested the traffic flow <br /> from Veterans Boulevard down every route possible toward the proposed site and <br /> discovered both plentiful routes and emptiness of roads. He also tested the proposed <br /> parking areas and found plentiful parking available not to mention public transportation. <br /> He stated there are concems that downtown Redwood City may have a "cookie cutter" <br /> project. He stated that we must ensure that the project has exemplary architecture, design <br /> and signage; and the Architecture Review Committee is committed to this and Council has <br /> final approval. Although safety is a concem, he stated the critical issue to be the mix of <br /> retail. He stated his concern for seniors and transportation may be addressed by use of <br /> shuttles. The Police Department states there is not an issue ensuring safety in the area. He <br /> stated that tbr all the above reasons he would be supporting the resolution. <br /> <br /> M/S Hartnett/Claire to approve the following amendments to the DDA: <br /> <br /> 1. In the first paragraph of Section 501, sixth line, the word "substantially" shall <br /> be inserted between the words "excellence" and "consistent". <br /> <br /> 2. In the last line of the second paragraph of Section 501, the word "reasonable" <br /> shall be deleted. <br /> <br /> 3. The following new paragraphs shall be added at the end of Section 501; <br /> <br />REGULAR COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT MEETINGS JANUARY 29, 2001 <br />MINUTES PAGE l0 <br /> MINUTES Book No.58 <br /> Page NO. 339 <br /> <br /> <br />